The efficacy and safety of modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement in extensive high myopia of Chinese children

Abstract

Background: To observe the efficacy and safety of modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement in extensive high myopia of Chinese children. We had a retrospective design, and included a control group of children with natural progression of high myopia.

Methods: This study included 64 eyes in 41 Chinese children with extensive high myopia who underwent modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (PSR group), and 17 eyes in 11 age- and myopia-matched children who wore spectacles (control group). The mean follow-up was 4.99 ± 1.3 years in the PSR group and 4.48 ± 1.3 years in the control group. Axial length, spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and fundus examinations were recorded before and after treatment, and complications were noted.

Results: The mean change in SE at the end of the follow-up period was 1.5 ± 1.44 diopters (D) and 3.02 ± 1.57D in the PSR and control groups respectively. These changes were equivalent to an increase in axial length of 1.27 ± 0.54 mm and 2.05 ± 0.91 mm respectively. The PSR group showed less myopic progression and less eye elongation (p < 0.001). A notable increase in UCVA was only found in the PSR group (p = 0.0001). The improvement in BCVA was significantly greater in the PSR group (p = 0.0354). There were no serious complications of PSR surgery.

Conclusion: The modified Snyder-Thompson PSR surgery was effective and safe in controlling extensive high myopia of Chinese children.